Syl-Chapter 267: Jitters

As we continued walking around the city, we attracted a few glances and looks from the other elves. We received plenty of polite greetings, and while Llewel greeted back, I was required to give either a tiny nod or a finger flourish in response.

This is far too uptight for me. I can't believe my past self actually wanted to be a noble, and all it did was get me killed!

Once again, despite my inner turmoil and complaints, my outward appearance still remained flawless. At times, my reactions and responses happened so quickly I barely felt like I was controlling my body, only further fueling my paranoia.

I miss [Acting]... It was such a helpful and straightforward skill, this [Roleplay] feels far too bossy.

As I pondered Loreleia's warning about turning the skill off periodically, Vee spoke up.

"I thought there would be more elves. Isn't this gala supposed to be a big thing?"

Llewel frowned slightly for a brief moment. "I'm not sure what you expected. We don't have even a quarter of the dwarves' population, let alone the humans."

"Sorry. I'm just wondering why there's not a bunch of other branches here. Aren't all the big shots supposed to be in attendance?" Vee further clarified.

"They are likely already here in their manors, or they plan on arriving fashionably late," Llewel explained. "You'll likely see all of them tonight."

"I hope you remember all your colors," Vee teased.

"I'll manage. Although I really hope I'm not expected to give a speech or anything," I sighed.

"For this? Highly unlikely, as Mistress Loreleia will be doing one as the current branch head. However, you'll likely need to do one in the future when you come out victorious from your trial. Also, be ready to get quite a few questions and propositions from the other branches tonight."

"Wonderful…" I sighed. "At least I have the dungeon trial to look forward to."

"And some tasty food tonight, I bet!" Vee quipped.

I'd lost interest in seeing more of the city, and we'd shown my presence enough for some rumors and speculation to start spreading, so Llewel began leading us to the Feirelle manor. If the elven embassy looked like a mansion, then this looked like a miniature palace, and Vee spent some time gasping at the extravagance.

Paeris awaited our arrival and hurried me to my room, where we would further add to my outfit for tonight. I could only sigh again and accept it, while Vee chose to beef up security by starting to create a network of [Rift Thread] along the ceilings.

At the same time, Vee chose to test out that there was no hindrance to her [Dimension Magic] or [Warp] and joyfully told me that nothing was stopping her. It was a significant relief for both of us, and while we were limited to remaining within the city limits, it was still a vast improvement over not being able to teleport at all, like that prison room.

As time ticked by, I began to feel a little anxious, and even my "pink core" mantra started to diminish in value. If not for knowing I'd have Vee on my shoulder, giving me a minor boost in confidence, and having [Roleplay] to keep me in line, I might have even run away in terror.

Want me to fight a demon or a dragon? Sure! Want me to be the center of attention surrounded by a bunch of noble elves who will all be judging me? Hard pass!

The fact that the other branch heads would all be double, if not triple, my level, if I had to guess based on Loreleia, wasn't even the cause of my anxiety—it was the sheer social pressure.

"Come on, Syl, grow a backbone!" Vee tried to reassure me.

"Technically, I don't have bones…" I grumbled.

"Good, you're back to jokes already! I'm sure everything will be fine!"

***

We arrived at the location, with Llewel as my chaperone. Paeris was needed to welcome the guests, even though it was being held in an official location, as the hosts required. Similarly, Loreleia had gone there early, and I had not seen her since our teleportation.

I had thought the gala would be in a palace, castle, or other extravagant structure, but it took place in a massive open-air plaza at the center of Caelthal.

The plaza was a refined expanse of living wood, encircled by silver-leafed trees whose branches arched overhead like a natural cathedral. Though night had draped the sky, the space glowed with soft, golden light—emanating from floating motes of enchantment that drifted lazily above the guests like fireflies.

Veils of woven moonlight shimmered between carved pillars, and the scent of fragrant flowers mingled with mouthwatering dishes on display. A central fountain, shaped like an unfolding blossom, glowed with gentle iridescence, casting ripples of light across the floor.

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My senses saw plenty of magical enchantments buzzing, and they all seemed connected to the tree itself, as if it were providing the perfect environment just for the occasion.

Paeris's familiar voice rang out clearly when I stepped into the plaza.

"Now entering—Llewel Fei, Chronomancer extraordinaire, Arcane Apothecary of the high order, and adoptive member of the Feirelle branch."

"Presenting Sylthaeryn Feirelle, Magus of the Elements, Nurturer of Companions, and first daughter of Matriarch Loreleia Feirelle."

"Presenting Vee Feirelle, Riftweaving Arachnid, Mistress of Threads and Bonded Companion of Lady Sylthaeryn Feirelle"

"Hey! I'm not part of the family," Vee grumbled telepathically.

"I'm sure you loved your 'official' titles," I teased.

"Mistress of Threads is an epic title! You can't deny that!" Vee replied. "You're just jealous you're only the Magus of Elements."

I chuckled on the inside while my body practically glided into the central plaza. I could feel everyone's gaze upon me and could already hear the whispers forming.

"So it was true."

"Since when does the Feirelle branch bond with arachnids?"

"I thought she ran away?"

"I heard she was galavanting in the human lands."

I did my best to ignore them and casually glanced at the guests present. True to Paeris' word, they were color-coordinated to indicate which branch they were part of. I began mentally checking off them as I glanced at them, but made no effort to approach any of them.

As suggested, I would wait until approached, which was perfectly suitable for me as I didn't exactly want to talk to them. There was one exception: I kept my eye out for anyone wearing purple attire with black trimmings, indicative of the Carren elves.

Although Paeris said they would probably approach me to talk about Vee, I hope that I can get some information from them about Vee. She was heartbroken after that werewolf fiasco.

The few elves I had noticed who took particular interest in me had yet to approach, as if they were waiting for someone else to first break the ice. I didn't think my presence was that intimidating, even with Vee so casually on my shoulder, but perhaps I was mistaken.

Plenty of other elves also had their companions, with birds on their shoulders, snakes wrapped around their arms, while the larger ones casually strolled by their sides. A small part of me was looking at such a variety on display and wondering what traits they all had.

Llewel also felt similarly uncomfortable, and I could see him twitch occasionally. I was surprised he didn't have [Roleplay] or something to make himself more socially presentable.

I had asked him at one point why he wasn't more involved with the political side of things, and he merely scoffed at the idea, saying it would interrupt his alchemy and magical research. Honestly, I could relate, and once again, I wished I wasn't in this spot.

"Now entering—Galather Vaelorith, Commander of Frost, Windreader, and first son of Matriarch Shael Vaelorith."

As the announcement went off, I immediately pulled their details from my memory. Paeris had drilled me in it so often that it was almost done by habit as I began mentally reciting what I knew of their family.

Branch Vaelorith, silver with ice-blue accents. They specialize in avians, particularly hawks and owls. The bloodline has ice magic, while the rest of the branch also focuses on wind. Logistics and cartography…

"Now entering—Ashryn Thalandor, Lifebringer of the Woodlands, Goddess of Crops, and first daughter of Patriarch Belanor Thalandor."

Branch Thalandor, bronze with forest green accents. They specialize in both cervids and wood sprites. They have deep druidic magic and focus on both agriculture and woodwork.

"Now entering—Amedee Nyrelis, Lady of the Lake, Mermaid of the Sea, and first daughter of Patriarch Aeson Nyrelis."

Branch Nyrelis, midnight blue with silver threads. They specialize in deep-sea creatures, water magic, and collecting rare resources from the ocean depths.

"I'm honestly surprised they bother with the first daughter son thing," Vee suddenly commented. "Like how many families actually have more than one child?"

"It matters…" I sighed, recalling how I wasn't the firstborn in my last life and died due to it. "As much as the elves try to say they are different from humans and dwarf nobles, some trends do stick around."

"Can we grab some food? So long? It's calling to me," Vee asked.

I nodded and informed Llewel, who promptly agreed, "I could certainly use a drink before the speech starts."

We hurried over to one of the banquet tables, where I began the process of collecting various foods at Vee's behest. Llewel took a drink and nearly emptied it on the spot before grabbing a second one. It was a strange side of the previously terrifying Chronomancer I'd never seen before.

Suddenly, there were hushes and gestures as everyone was drawn to a powerful presence—Loreleia had entered the room. She walked up onto a small platform and gave a dazzling smile that would shatter hearts in the entire crowd.

As if the entire plaza were bending to her will, the lights all around us dimmed except to focus on her. She had all eyes on her, as if demanding our attention. With not even a moment to clear her throat, she began her speech with perfect pitch, utmost confidence, and a melodious tone that graced our ears.

"Esteemed kin of the Glade—I, Lady Loreleia Feirelle, bid you peace beneath our glorious canopy.

"The Feirelle line has served with conviction and followed our progenitors' teachings for centuries. Our bond with the felids, our devotion to Verdant light, and our steadfast presence have stood as quiet pillars beneath the grandeur of our realm.

"But today, I do not speak in quiet tones. Today, I raise my voice to the heavens and declare my intent: I, Loreleia of Feirelle, do seek ascension! I will undertake transcendence and present myself to the Trunk, to be judged worthy of High Elven form and station.

"This new path is not mine alone to tread. As I take my steps toward eternity, so must I entrust our house to one whose spirit burns no less fiercely than mine once did. I name before all gathered here: Sylthaeryn Feirelle, my daughter, my heir, the soul upon whom Feirelle's future dawns."

Loreleia then spun the tale of my accomplishments that we'd agreed upon. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed at being so focused on such a vastly embellished story. I had expected Vee to tease me during the retelling, but she was entranced in the story and Loreleia's supernatural charisma.

When Loreleia finished the tale, she paused and allowed the room to give me some applause. I happily relinquished control of the situation to [Roleplay], who kept me standing straight and proud, basking in the glory, as if I were being presented with a medal. Meanwhile, my inner self wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. When the applause finally quieted down, she continued.

"Sylthaeryn shall lead Branch Feirelle. But leadership must be earned, not gifted, and while her accomplishments outside of our Groves should be proof enough, she must be judged and witnessed by kin. Thus, as is tradition, she shall face the Branch Trial: the sacred combat within our allied dungeon!

"Let it be known—her magical prowess shall speak her oath, and her spirit shall be tested. And when she emerges, the banners of our branch shall fly anew!

"May the ancestor witness this turning.

May the stars burn bright upon our path.

And may nature guide us—as always."

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